How Long Do Windows Last? 9 Signs It’s Time For Replacements

The windows on your home do not only serve visual and aesthetic purposes but functional purposes as well. Unfortunately, over time, windows lose much of their functionality, failing to seal out heat, cold, and sound. At some point, this loss of functionality will come to a head, prompting a window replacement. The question is, when does this point usually arrive? In other words, how long do windows last?

How Long Do Windows Last?

The lifespan of a specific window is dependent primarily upon the material that it’s made from. In other words, some window materials last longer than others do.

Vinyl windows will generally last for between 20 and 40 years. Wood windows, when properly maintained, will typically last around 30 years. Aluminum windows, on the other hand, generally only last around 20 years.

However, it’s important to note that these are not hard and fast numbers. Truthfully, the only way to determine whether or not a window has passed its expiration date is by looking out for specific signs. If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, your windows may very well need to be replaced.

1. Are Your Windows Drafty?

A good set of windows is designed to prevent heat and cold from making their way into its corresponding home. Unfortunately, as windows deteriorate, they slowly lose their ability to do this. Eventually, they will become drafty, creating inconsistent temperatures in a home even when said home’s air conditioner or furnace is running.

If you regularly feel large drafts while standing next to your windows, it’s probably time for you to replace them. Modern windows are very energy efficient and will provide much greater insulation than the ones you have installed currently.

2. Are Your Windows Difficult to Open?

When windows are freshly installed, they’re exceedingly easy to open. You essentially just have to push them up with a flick of your wrist in order to set them in an open position.

Unfortunately, over time, windows take on debris. The buildup of this debris, along with the natural shifting of the house upon which the windows are installed, makes the opening of the windows progressively more difficult.

While lubricants can help stave off a replacement for a while, eventually, a replacement will be the only viable option. If you feel like you’re doing curls every time you try to adjust your window pane, it’s probably time to make a change.

3. Do You Struggle to Clean Your Windows?

A basic part of window upkeep is cleaning. Unfortunately, many old windows make cleaning as difficult as possible, necessitating that you remove them from their frames. Because of this, the owners of old windows will often come up short in their cleaning duties.

Are your windows getting progressively dirtier due to the fact that you can’t easily clean them? If so, you might want to opt for a replacement. Modern windows are extremely easy to adjust, making them very easy to clean.

4. Are Your Windows Difficult to Lock?

Over time, as the house upon which a window is installed shifts, the window itself can become misaligned. Not only can this result in difficulty opening the windows, but it can result in difficulty locking the window as well. In other words, it can compromise the window’s security.

It’s never a good idea to gamble with the security of your home. If your window doesn’t lock reliably, you would be wise to make a replacement.

5. Do Your Windows Look Awful?

As time passes by, windows become more and more damaged. This is just a simple byproduct of being constantly exposed to the elements. Dents form, cracks present themselves, and frames begin to lose a little bit of their glow.

If the constant wear and tear have taken their toll on your windows, there’s no shame in changing them. The aesthetic of your home is important and is worth spending money on.

6. Are Your Windows Single-Paned?

For years, single-paned windows were the only option available to the average homeowner. Fortunately, that eventually changed, allowing homeowners access to much greater protection and energy efficiency.

If you still have single-paned windows on your home, you are advised to replace them with double-paned windows. While this replacement might be costly initially, it will eventually pay for itself in the form of drastically reduced energy bills.

7. Are Your Energy Bills Getting Costlier?

When a window’s energy efficiency capabilities start to decline, you’ll notice. Not only will you feel drafts around your windows, but you’ll also see it in your energy bills. In particular, you’ll notice that they’re getting more and more costly.

While your windows aren’t guaranteed to be the source of your high energy bills, they are a possible culprit. If you’ve had them for over 20 years, a change might be needed.

8. Can You Easily Hear Traffic Noise?

Another sign that your windows need to be replaced is if you can easily hear traffic noise in your home while your windows are closed. If you can, they are letting through sound waves with little to no resistance. In other words, they’re doing a poor job of insulating your home.

9. Are Your Windows Out of Style?

The simple fact of the matter is that styles change. What was popular in 2005 is not necessarily popular in 2019. Windows are no exception to this.

You don’t want to leave your house decorated with windows that are aesthetically antiquated. A replacement will be needed to bring your home up to speed.

Do You Need to Replace Your Windows?

And there it is, the answer to the question of, “how long do windows last?” Do your windows have any of these problems? If so, it’s probably time for window replacement.

If you’re in need of a window replacement in St. Louis or its surrounding areas, Penny Window is the company to call. Established in 1953, we are the premier window replacement company in St. Louis.